Ireland’s Drinks Industry Eyes New Export Markets: ABFI

Ireland’s drinks industry exports to over 130 markets and is eyeing new opportunities in 2018, according to Alcohol Beverage Federation of Ireland (ABFI), which has released an analysis of exports from the drinks industry ahead of St. Patrick’s Day.

According to the analysis, the top five markets for drinks exports in 2017 were the UK, Germany, France, Canada and the United States.

Overall, Irish beverage exports reportedly rose by 8% last year to €1.5 billion.

“Ireland’s drinks industry is an export powerhouse and this analysis confirms the distance our quality products reach, from London to Cameroon and beyond,” said Patricia Callan, director of Alcohol Beverage Federation of Ireland (ABFI).

The group outlined in a statement that in terms of categories, Irish beer continues to perform strongly.

Steady Growth

The research showed that there was steady growth in EU markets such as Germany, France, the Netherlands and Spain. 2017, overall EU sales rose to €327 million, up 4% versus 2016.

Exports to North America also rose steadily to some €650 million in 2017, driven by the growing popularity of Irish whiskey as well as a strong performance from Irish cream liqueurs in the United States.

The Japanese market was the best performing of the Asian countries in 2017, with sales rising by 30% €9 million. Elsewhere, Russia recorded solid growth to €14m in 2017, while sales to Africa also increased in 2017 with Irish beer proving popular in Nigeria, the analysis showed.

Some of the bigger players in the market like Irish Distillers are also exporting to non-typical markets including Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Korea and Cameroon.

Callan added: “Based on Bord Bia research, we know that consumers around the world are continuing to choose our premium products and the association with Ireland is proving powerful.”

According to the industry, drinks producers will continue to take advantage of opportunities in these markets in 2018 and beyond.